The Real Madrid striker enjoyed an excellent 2011-12 season, scoring 21 times in La Liga as Los Blancos sealed a league championship, and spoke of his pride when collecting his award from Zinedine Zidane in Madrid.

"I am proud and happy that this will please my family," the 24-year-old France international said in a message to the award show on Telefoot, which he did not attend.

Benzema beat Bayern Munich star Ribery into second place, while Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris came third, Arsenal's Olivier Giroud fourth, and Mathieu Valbuena of Marseille completed the top five.

Rene Girard, who led Montpellier to its first Ligue 1 championship last season, was named coach of the year with Francis Gillot of Bordeaux in second, just ahead of Lyon trainer Remi Garde.